Abstract: According to various embodiments, an array of elements forms an artificially-structured material. The artificially-structured material can also include an array of tuning mechanisms included as part of the array of elements that are configured to change material properties of the artificially-structured material on a per-element basis. The tuning mechanisms can change the material properties of the artificially-structured material by changing operational properties of the elements in the array of elements on a per-element basis based on one or a combination of stimuli detected by sensors included in the array of tuning mechanisms, programmable circuit modules included as part of the array of tuning mechanisms, data stored at individual data stores included as part of the array of tuning mechanisms, and communications transmitted through interconnects included as part of the array of elements.

Abstract: A multi-layer armor comprises: an outer composite spaced from an inner composite. The outer composite comprises (a.) a high strength strike surface layer, (b.) a high strain rate sensitivity-hardening polymer and (c.) a second high strength layer. The inner composite comprises spaced silica glass layers, an acrylic glass layer and a spall liner. In one embodiment the armor is transparent and used to shield a vehicle windshield. In a second embodiment the armor is opaque and is attached to vehicle base armor. The armor may also be applied to a ship. The armor uses commercially available components, is relative inexpensive and is effective.